Pistons' Kyle Singler in familiar spot of vying for minutes at two positions

Michigan Live | Oct 12

Kyle Singler's versatility has been recognized by another Detroit Pistons coach seeking ways to get the second-year player on the court.

For now that wouldn't seem an issue for Singler anyway with small forward competitor Gigi Datome's NBA transition stalled by a hamstring injury.

But the Pistons' lone muddled position shooting guard happens to be where Singler played and started for much of his rookie season. That Singler started there in Thursday's preseason loss to Miami made the situation even more unclear while reinforcing his value.

Singler made the transition back to shooting guard and saw some time at small forward in the most challenging possible situation.

"When you're going against guys like Dwyane Wade and LeBron (James) it's tougher" he said. "But it's something you've got to be conscious of. The players in this league from the twos and the threes are a little different.

"You've got guys who are quicker and more athletic at the two. And guys who are at the three are a little bit more versatile guys that I'm more used to guarding. So I've just got to be more conscious and game-savvy when I'm switching from the two to the three."

Pistons coach Maurice Cheeks promised to try different starters at shooting guard this preseason which continues at 7:30 tonight at Brooklyn.

Chauncey Billups started the preseason opener against Maccabi Haifa.

Rodney Stuckey presumably would have gotten a start but those plans were scrapped when a broken thumb sidelined him the rest of preseason.

The Datome and Stuckey injuries have translated to more opportunity for Singler at two positions.